Go-ahead to resolve DePuy hip claims

A High Court judge yesterday gave the go-ahead for an alternative dispute resolution system aimed at settling over 1,000 cases against DePuy International where people who underwent hip replacement operations have sued over allegedly defective implants.

The move will free up the High Court personal injury list and ensure that the cases against DePuy International will be decided speedily.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross, who in recent months had warned that if a dispute resolution system was not put in place it could be several years before all the cases had their day in the High Court, urged all those involved to put the voluntary scheme in train immediately.